Climbing

PERMITS ARE SOLD OUT THROUGH LATE SEPTEMBER. WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

If the date you want to climb has no more available permits OR if you have purchased a climbing permit and no longer are able to climb on that date, please visit purmit.com to search for permits for sale or to offer your climbing permit(s) for sale. To transfer ownership of a permit, the owner must give the confirmation receipt as well as the permits to the recipient along with a written statement or email that the recipient is allowed to use the purchaser’s permit(s).

THE SUMMER ROUTE AT CLIMBER’S BIVOUAC IS OPEN FOR CLIMBING

LATEST CONDITIONS

Due to lack of winter snow pack, conditions on the mountain are looking more like end of September than June. Lack of rain in June, combined with lack of snow this winter are creating dusty and dry conditions, bring eye protection and face protection for blowing ash especially if there is an east /southeast wind . Protect eyes and airways from blowing ash with sunglasses, dust masks, goggles, cloth, etc. Bring at least 3 liters of water for your climb.

ALL CLIMBERS MUST REGISTER AND OBTAIN A CLIMBING PERMIT, NO MATTER THE TIME OF YEAR

You must now print your permits, fill in climbers name on each permit, and bring them with you to the trail head the day of your climb.

If you need confirmation email and/or permits re-sent to you, try this lookup app or contact the Kinsail team at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (703) 994-4194.

If you are climbing between November 1st - March 31st, you must self register at either Climbers Bivouac or Marble Mountain Sno-Park’s climber registers. There is no fee for permits during this period.

If you are climbing between April 1st - October 31st, you must purchase your permit by clicking the “SEARCH NOW” button. Permits are $22.00. Permits are limited to 500/day from April 1st - May 14th, and 100/day from May 15th - October 31st. You are also required to self-register at either Climbers Bivouac or Marble Mountain Sno-Park’s climber registers.

A Washington State Sno-Park pass is required for climbs beginning at Marble Mountain Sno-Park from December 1st through April 30th and a Northwest Forest Day Pass is required for climbs beginning at Climbers Bivouac year-round.

If you have never climbed Mount St. Helens before, consider joining the Mount St. Helens Institute on a Guided Climb!

GUIDED CLIMBS

The Mount St. Helens Institute offers guided climbs for those who wish to explore the mountain with experienced guides in a group setting. Read more about our Guided Climbs. For those who want an EXCLUSIVE experience, we recommend our Crater Glacier View Climb climbs.

EQUIPMENT

Mount St. Helens is not merely a mountain—it is an active volcano. Nor is it merely a “hike”. You need to be prepared for extreme weather, possible ash fall, and other hazards. Read about how to prepare for your climb.

CLIMBING AN ACTIVE VOLCANO

At 8,328 feet high (as measured by USGS in 2009), Mount St. Helens offers climbers a breathtaking view from the crater rim. Although it is not a technical climb, it is strenuous and hazardous due to ice, large boulders, loose pumice, fast-changing weather and volcanism. Climbers should be in very good physical condition, well equipped, informed about volcanic hazards, and have plenty of water and food.

The Mount St. Helens Institute has partnered with the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to help protect the volcano’s fragile features and to ensure climbers have a safe, low-impact experience on the volcano.